Felipe Massa has tipped his ever-improving Williams team-mate Valtteri Bottas as a potential world champion.
The Brazilian, 33, believes that his 25-year-old Finnish team-mate has all the necessary credentials to claim the title.
Massa’s career has been spent alongside a string of world champions including Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, seven-time champion German Michael Schumacher, Finn Kimi Raikkonen and two-time champion Spaniard Fernando Alonso.
“He’s a great driver,” said Massa. “He’s shown since the beginning of the season that he’s a great driver, that he’s quick, competitive, that he’s clever, intelligent, working very hard.
“It’s clear he’s doing everything correct. People need to see him as a great driver in the field. Not just him, (Daniel) Ricciardo too.”
Asked if Bottas could fight for a world championship, Massa replied: “He can, definitely. He’s still young.”